Retiring warrior: Ryan Hoffman.
Retiring Melbourne Storm veteran Ryan Hoffman faces a race against time to play any part in the club’s finals campaign.
The 34 year old second-rower has been diagnosed with a ruptured central tendon in his left hamstring after scans on Tuesday.
It usually takes eight weeks to recover from such an injury but Hoffman has refused to give up hope he can return.
There are three games left in the NRL season and if the Storm make the NRL grand final on September 30 then potentially he could press for a place in the side.
Hoffman was in tears following the Storm’s 17-14 loss to Cronulla Sharks on Sunday night after he injured his hamstring in the final minutes and he feared his career was over.
Storm football director Frank Ponissi said he wouldn’t rule out Hoffman finding a way to finish his career on the field, rather than in the stands.
“Whilst it will be difficult for Hoffy to return before the end of the season, we have no doubt he will do everything in his power to make that a possibility,” Ponissi said.
"Hoffy has shown nothing but class and professionalism throughout his 16 years at the highest level and there is no reason why this final month or so will be any different.”
Both Hoffman and Storm great Billy Slater have announced this season will be their last as they will retire once it finishes.
The Storm play Parramatta Eels at AAMI Park on Friday at 7.50pm.
Source: Read Full Article